Computer crime: A growing threat to public safety

Computer crimes are a growing threat in our technologically dependent society. Consumers rightfully fear hackers who can assume their identities and gain access to bank and credit card accounts, stealing billions each year. Unfortunately, the vulnerability of emergency and other government computer systems which impact the safety and welfare of millions is often overlooked.

Last year, the Los Angeles Times reported that a caller threatened to paralyze a San Diego hospital by shutting down the hospital’s phone service if a dispatcher didn’t submit to his extortion demands. A short time...